These are Michigan's 12 Most Iconic Restaurants

BY AMY SHERMAN | asherma2@mlive.com and JOHN GONZALEZ | gonzo@mlive.com

The search for Michigan’s Most Iconic Restaurant revealed classic dining spots, hidden gems, and longtime favorites all over the state. The journey took us from hip, urban settings to rural abodes, from the streets of Detroit to the shores of Superior, and we are happy to reveal our Top 12 picks.

These are the restaurants that have a history, whether they’ve been open for 25 years or 100. The spots that honor not just their own story, but very often the history of the building in which they reside. We visited a mansion built by a lumber baron and a Northern Michigan log inn that were both constructed in 1894, a cafe located in the basement of a building that was erected in the 1920’s, and a restaurant in a renovated church.

We were looking for those incredible spots across Michigan that have been open for years, and yet remain a favorite to this day. Places that have become destinations for generations of diners. The restaurants where you go to celebrate something important. Spots that serve up delicious dishes that you can only get there, or places that are just beloved by the locals and regulars for always serving up quality, well-made food.

We’ve come up with quite a list of iconic restaurants. They range from white-tablecloth, put-your-fancy-clothes-on spots, to a deli where anything goes, so feel free to wear your flip flops and yoga pants. All of our spots feature incredible homemade food, with great attention to detail and the use of quality ingredients.

We loved hearing the personal stories and histories associated with these restaurants, told to us by enthusiastic and passionate owners and staff. It’s these hard workers who really make these spots so special, and we thank them for creating such iconic restaurants for all of Michigan to enjoy.